Plug connector for cable television network and method of use

ABSTRACT

A telecommunications apparatus for use with a plug having at least first, second and third pins. The telecommunications apparatus includes a plug connector for receiving the plug. The plug connector includes at least first, second and third electrical contacts for electrically contacting the first, second and third pins, respectively, when the plug is inserted in the plug connector. The plug connector also includes an electrical by-pass pathway that: i) electrically connects the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fully removed from the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through the by-pass pathway to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact; and ii) does not electrically connect the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fully inserted within the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through the plug to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention pertains to telecommunications components for usein telecommunications systems such as cable television networks.

[0003] 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0004] In the telecommunications industry and more particularly in thevideo transmission industry (e.g., the cable television environment),broad-band radio frequency (RF) signals (i.e., 5 MHz to 1 GHz) arecarried over coax conductors from a headend to consumers. At the headendof the system, numerous signals are manipulated to achieve a widevariety of functions and objectives. For example, signals carried onnumerous coax cables may be combined onto a single coax conductor.Similarly, a signal on a main coax conductor may be divided into aplurality of signals carried on branch coax conductors. Additionally,signals may be added or removed from a main conductor throughdirectional couplers or the like.

[0005] In addition to combining, splitting, diverting or adding signals,the headend will also include apparatus for modifying signals. Forexample, in order to adequately tune the system, it may be desirable toprovide attenuators or the like to attenuate a signal to a desiredlevel. Further, as a broadband RF signal is carried over a length ofcable, the high frequency range of the signal may be attenuated morethan a low frequency range of the signal. As a result, equalizers areutilized to modify the signal to have a level intensity throughout itsfrequency range.

[0006] Frequently, tuning is accomplished through the use of plug-indevices (e.g., attenuators or equalizers). Exemplary systems includingplug-in devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,930, which ishereby incorporated by reference.

[0007] Currently the cable television environment uses plug-in devicesthat break the signal paths while changing out the plug-in devices.However, with the new opportunities that are present in the cabletelevision environment (e.g., telephony, data and 911 service), it isimportant to prevent signal paths from being broken. Thus, what areneeded are plug-in devices for the cable television industry thatprevent signal paths from being broken when plug-in devices are changedout.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to atelecommunications apparatus for use with a plug having at least first,second and third pins. The telecommunications apparatus includes a plugconnector for receiving the plug. The plug connector includes at leastfirst, second and third electrical contacts for electrically contactingthe first, second and third pins, respectively, when the plug isinserted in the plug connector. The plug connector also includes anelectrical by-pass pathway that: i) electrically connects the first andsecond electrical contacts when the plug is fully removed from the plugconnector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through thefirst contact, pass through the by-pass pathway to the second contact,and exit the plug connector through the second contact; and ii) does notelectrically connect the first and second electrical contacts when theplug is fully inserted within the plug connector such that a signal canenter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through theplug to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through thesecond contact.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of an RF combiner modulesuitable for practicing the principles of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 schematically depicts radio frequency circuitry suitablefor use with the combiner of FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of another RF combinermodule suitable for practicing the principles of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of radio frequency circuitry suitablefor use with the combiner of FIG. 3;

[0013]FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of an RF equalizer modulesuitable for practicing the principles of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of radio frequency circuitry suitablefor use with the equalizer of FIG. 5;

[0015]FIG. 7A schematically shows a portion of a combiner having a plugconnector in accordance with the principles of the present invention, anattenuator plug is shown fully inserted within the plug connector;

[0016]FIG. 7B schematically shows the combiner of FIG. 7A with the plugpartially removed from the plug connector;

[0017]FIG. 7C shows a modified version of the plug connector of FIGS. 7Aand 7B.

[0018]FIG. 8 shows a second plug connector constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 9A shows a third plug connector constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention, the plug connector isshown with a plug fully inserted therein;

[0020]FIG. 9B shows the plug connector of FIG. 9A with the plugpartially removed from the plug connector;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth plug connectorconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 11 is a top view of the plug connector of FIG. 10;

[0023]FIG. 12A schematically shows a portion of an equalizer having afifth plug connector in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention, an equalizer plug is shown fully inserted within the plugconnector; and

[0024]FIG. 12B schematically shows the equalizer of FIG. 12A with theplug partially removed from the plug connector.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Referring now to the several drawing figures in which identicalelements are numbered identically throughout, a description of thepreferred embodiment of the present invention will now be provided.

[0026] An important aspect of the present invention relates to plugconnectors configured for preventing signal paths from being brokenduring plug changes. The phrase “plug connector” will be understood toinclude devices or arrangements adapted for receiving or otherwiseproviding electrical connections with plugs. In preferred embodiments,the plug connectors are adapted for providing electrical connectionswith multi-pin (e.g., three or four pin) RF circuitry plugs such asequalizer plugs or attenuator plugs.

[0027] The various aspects of the present invention assist in reducingdowntime experienced by network headends (e.g., cable televisionheadends) during network reconfigurations. This reduction in downtime isparticularly important in cable television systems because of theincreased prevalence of services such as telephony services, 911services and data services. Further, in certain embodiments, theinventive plug connectors can be configured to allow signals to passtherethrough even in the absence of plugs. This allows plugs to beeliminated with respect to certain lines thereby reducing cost.

[0028] FIGS. 1-6 show exemplary RF equipment for which plug connectorsin accordance with the present invention could be used. It will beappreciated that the disclosed RF components are merely examples of thetype of equipment to which the various aspects of the present inventionare applicable. Thus, it will also be appreciated that the variousaspects of the present invention are applicable to types of RFcomponents other than those specifically shown. Further, the presentinvention has general applicability in the telecommunications field, andis not limited to RF applications.

[0029]FIG. 1 shows an eight port RF combiner module 10 suitable for usein practicing various aspects of the present invention. The module 10includes a housing 12 having a generally rectangular frame 14. The frame14 defines a front 16 positioned opposite from a back 18. Oppositelypositioned end walls 20 and 22 extend between the front 16 and the back18 and define minor sides of the frame 14. Major sides 24 and 26 of theframe 14 are open. The major sides 24 and 26 of the frame 14 arerespectively enclosed by removable plates 28 and 30 secured to the frame14 by fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws).

[0030] The housing 12 is adapted for at least partially enclosing radiofrequency circuitry (e.g., splitter circuitry, combiner circuitry,etc.). While the circuitry could have any number known configurations,preferably the circuitry is provided on a circuit board 32 sized to bemounted within the housing 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, thecircuitry includes eight attenuator plugs 34-1 to 34-8 positionedadjacent to a front edge of the circuit board 32. The attenuator plugs34-1 to 34-8 are received within corresponding plug connectors 36-1 to36-8 mounted on the board 32 adjacent the front edge of the board 32.When the circuit board 32 is mounted within the housing 12, theattenuator plugs 34-1 to 34-8 can be accessed through an elongated plugaccess opening 38 defined by the front 16 of the frame 14. The housing12 preferably also includes a removable front cover 40 that is securedto the front 16 of the frame 14 so as to cover the plug access opening38. By removing the front cover 40 from the frame 14, the attenuatorplugs 34-1 to 34-8 can be accessed through the plug access opening 38.

[0031] The module 10 further includes a plurality of connectors 42-0 to42-8 (only 8 are visible in FIG. 1) mounted at the back 18 of the frame14. While the connectors 42-0 to 42-8 can have any number ofconfigurations, the connectors are preferably 75 ohm coaxial connectorssuch as BNC type connectors or F type connectors. The connectors 42-0 to42-8 are preferably connected to a rear edge of the circuit board 32 byconventional techniques such as card edge connectors. Additionally,grounded shields of the connectors 42-0 to 42-8 are preferably inelectrical contact with the frame 14 of the housing 12. A monitor port41 is electrically connected to the circuit board 32, and is adapted tobe mounted at the front side 16 of the housing 12.

[0032]FIG. 2 schematically depicts an exemplary circuit diagram for thecombiner of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the combiner includes a firsttwo-to-one combiner 44-1 electrically connected to plug connectors 36-1and 36-2, a second two-to-one combiner 44-2 electrically connected toplug connectors 36-3 and 36-4, a third two-to-one combiner 44-3electrically connected to plug connectors 36-5 and 36-6, and a fourthtwo-to-one combiner 44-4 electrically connected to plug connectors 36-7and 36-8. The first and second combiners 44-1 and 44-2 are electricallyconnected to a fifth two-to-one combiner 44-5, and the third and fourthtwo-to-one combiners 44-3 and 44-4 are electrically connected to a sixthtwo-to-one combiner 44-6. The fifth and sixth two-to-one combiners 44-5and 44-6 are electrically connected to a seventh two-to-one combiner44-7. The seventh two-to-one combiner 44-7 is electrically connected toa directional coupler 46. The directional coupler 46 is electricallyconnected to coaxial connector 42-0 as well as monitor port 41.

[0033] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the combiners 44-1to 44-7 are depicted as transformers. Additionally, the system includestransformers 48 for converting signals combined by the combiners 44-1 to44-7 from 37.5 ohms back to 75 ohms.

[0034] In use of the system of FIG. 2, signals input at connectors 42-1and 42-2 pass respectively through attenuator plugs 34-1 and 34-2 andare combined by combiner 44-1, and signals input through connectors 42-3and 42-4 are passed respectively through attenuator plugs 34-3 and 34-4and combined by combiner 44-2. In the same manner, signals input atconnectors 42-5 and 42-6 are passed respectively through attenuatorplugs 34-5 and 34-6 and combined at combiner 44-3, and signals inputthrough connectors 42-7 and 42-8 are respectively passed throughattenuator plugs 34-7 and 34-8 and combined at combiner 44-4. Atcombiner 44-5, the combined signal from combiner 44-1 is combined withthe combined signal from combiner 44-2. At the combiner 44-6, thecombined signal from combiner 44-3 is combined with the combined signalfrom combiner 44-4. At combiner 44-7, the combined signals fromcombiners 44-5 and 44-6 are combined to provide a single, main signal.The main signal is passed through the directional coupler 46 and outputfrom the module through connector 42-0. At the directional coupler 46, asmall portion of the main signal is split off to the monitor port 41.

[0035] While the configuration of FIG. 2 has been described as an eightto one coupler, it will be appreciated that the same configuration couldalso be used as an eight-to-one splitter with monitor capabilities byslightly modifying the configuration of the directional coupler 46. Inother words, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that thetransformers 44-1 to 44-7 can be used as splitters as well as combiners.

[0036]FIG. 3 illustrates a six port combiner module 110 suitable forpracticing various aspects of the present invention. The module 110includes a housing 112 having a frame 114 defining a front 116 and aback 118. The housing 112 is adapted for at least partially enclosingradio frequency circuitry such as circuit board 132. Plug connectors136-1 to 136-6 are mounted at a front edge of the circuit board 132.Attenuator plugs 134-1 to 134-6 are shown inserted within the plugconnectors 136-1 to 136-6. The attenuator plugs 134-1 to 134-6 can beaccessed at the front 116 of the housing 112 by removing a front cover140 from the frame 114. A plurality of coaxial connectors 42-0 to 42-7are mounted at the back 118 of the housing 112 and are electricallyconnected to a rear edge of the circuit board 132. Removable plates 128and 130 are provided for enclosing open sides of the frame 114.

[0037]FIG. 4 shows an exemplary circuit layout for the circuit board 132of FIG. 3. The schematic includes six directional couplers 160-1 to160-6 connected in series.

[0038] Coupler 160-1 is electrically connected to plug connector 136-1and coaxial connector 142-0. Directional coupler 160-2 is electricallyconnected to plug connector 136-2 and directional coupler 160-1.Directional coupler 160-3 is electrically connected to plug connector136-3 and directional coupler 160-2. Directional coupler 160-4 iselectrically connected to plug connector 136-4 and directional coupler160-3. Directional coupler 160-5 is electrically connected to plugconnector 136-5 and directional coupler 160-4. Directional coupler 160-6is electrically connected to plug connector 136-6, directional coupler160-5 and coaxial connector 142-7. Coaxial connectors 142-1 to 142-6 arerespectively connected to plug connectors 136-1 to 136-6 such thatsignals input through the connectors 142-1 to 142-6 are respectivelypassed through attenuator plugs 134-1 to 134-6. After passing throughthe attenuator plugs 134-1 to 134-6, the signals are directed to theirrespective directional coupler 160-1 to 160-6.

[0039] In use, a signal input at coaxial connector 142-0 is combinedwith a signal input at coaxial 142-1 at coupler 160-1. The combinedsignal from coupler 160-1 is combined with a signal input throughcoaxial connector 142-2 at coupler 160-2. The combined output fromcoupler 160-2 is combined with a signal input through connector 142-3 atcoupler 160-3. The combined signal from directional coupler 160-3 iscombined with a signal input through connector 142-4 at directionalcoupler 160-4. The combined signal output from directional coupler 160-4is combined with a signal input through connector 142-5 at directionalcoupler 160-5. The combined signal output from directional coupler 160-5is combined with a signal input through connector 142-6 at directionalcoupler 160-6. Directional coupler 160-6 outputs a single main signalfrom the module at connector 142-0.

[0040]FIG. 5 illustrates an equalizer module 210 suitable for use inpracticing the present invention. The module 210 includes a housing 212having a frame 214 defining a front 216 and a back 218. Three coaxialconnectors 242-1 to 242-3 are mounted at the back 218 of the frame 214.A circuit board 232 is mounted within the housing 212. The coaxialconnectors 242-1 to 242-3 are preferably electrically connected to aback edge of the circuit board 232. A plug connector 236 is mounted at afront edge of the circuit board 232. The plug connector 236 defines aport sized for receiving an equalizer plug 234. When the circuit board232 is mounted within the housing 212, the equalizer 234 can be accessedfrom the front of the housing 212 through an access opening 238 definedby the front 216 of the frame 214. The access opening 238 can be coveredby a removable front cover 240.

[0041]FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary circuit layout for the circuitboard 232 of the equalizer module of FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 6, thecircuit layout includes a directional coupler 70 electrically connectedto plug connector 236, coaxial connector 242-1, and coaxial connector242-2. The plug connector 236 is also connected to coaxial connector242-3. The equalizer plug 234 is shown inserted within the plugconnector 236.

[0042] In use of the equalizer, a signal is input through coaxialconnector 242-1 and is passed to directional coupler 70. At thedirectional coupler 70, a small portion of the signal is split anddirected to monitor port 242-2. The majority of the signal is passedfrom the directional coupler 70 to the equalizer 234. The signal thenpasses through the equalizer 234 and is output from the module 210 atcoaxial connector 2423

[0043] Attenuator plugs are commercially available items such as thosesold as Product No. F-7520-A (for a 20 dB attenuator) throughCommunication Associates 1750 T-'Coleman Road, Anniston, Ala. 36207. Theplugs 34-1 to 34-8 can be individually selected to provide a discreteamount of attenuation to a signal. For example, a “zero” plug can beinserted into a plug connector to provide 0 dB attenuation.Alternatively, at an option of a technician, the 0 dB plug may bereplaced with a plug capable of providing signal attenuation. Forexample, a 15 dB plug can be used to provide 15 dB attenuation to asignal. As a result, each of the branch circuits can be individuallyprovided with a unique attenuation selected at an option of atechnician.

[0044] In FIGS. 1-6, the plug connectors (e.g., plug connectors 36-1 to36-8 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2; the plug connectors 136-1 to 136-6of the embodiment FIGS. 2-4; and the plug connector 236 of theembodiment of FIGS. 5-6) are generically depicted. As indicated above,an important aspect of the present invention is to provide plugconnectors configured to prevent the signal paths passing therethroughfrom being broken during plug changes. Thus, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention, the plug connectors 36-1 to 36-8,136-1 to 136-6 and 236 preferably include internal components adaptedfor preventing signals passing through the plug connectors from beingbroken during plug changes.

[0045]FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate one of the input lines ofthe combiner module 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The portions of the module 10that are schematically depicted include the coaxial connector 42-1, plugconnector 36-1, attenuator 34-1, combiner 44-1, combiner 44-5, combiner44-7, directional coupler 46 and coaxial connector 42-0. FIG. 7A showsthe attenuator 34-1 fully inserted within the plug connector 36-1, whileFIG. 7B shows the attenuator 34-1 in the process of being removed fromthe plug connector 36-1.

[0046] Referring still to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the plug connector 36-1includes a dielectric housing 300 that can be mounted at the edge of acircuit board (e.g., at the edge of the circuit board 32 shown in FIG.1). Two through-contacts 302 (i.e., IN and OUT contacts) are mountedwithin the housing 300. One of the through-contacts 302 is electricallyconnected to the combiner 44-1, and the other through-contact 302 iselectrically connected to the coaxial connector 42-1. A conductivebypass-path 304 is used to provide an electrical connection between thetwo through-contacts 302. The bypass-path 304 includes contact regions306 positioned adjacent to each of the through-contacts 302. The plugconnector 36-1 also includes a ground contact 305 positioned between thetwo trough-contacts 302. The ground contact 305 is electricallyconnected to ground.

[0047] While the through-contacts 302 and the ground contact 305 couldhave a variety of different configurations, the contacts 302 and 304 aredepicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B as resilient, conductive springs. Thethrough-contacts 302 are preferably biased toward the contact regions306 of the bypass-pathway 304 such that when no plug is inserted in thehousing 300, the through-contacts 302 engage their respective contactregions 306 (i.e., the through-contacts “normally” engage the contactregions). The engagement between the through-contacts 302 and thecontact regions 306 causes the bypass-pathway circuit 304 to be closedsuch that signals can be routed through the plug connector 36-1 even inthe absence of a plug.

[0048] Referring again to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the attenuator plug 34-1includes two through-pins 308 (i.e., IN and OUT pins) and a ground pin310. When the plug 34-1 is inserted in the plug connector 36-1, thethrough-pins 308 engage the through-contacts 302 and the ground pin 310engages the ground contact 305. The through-contacts 302 are preferablyconfigured such that when the attenuator plug 34-1 is fully insertedwithin the plug connector 36-1 (as shown in FIG. 7A), contact betweenthe through-pins 308 and the through-contacts 302 causes thethrough-contacts 302 to be disconnected from the contact regions 306 ofthe bypass-pathway 304. In such a configuration, signals entering theplug connector 36-1 are caused to be routed through the attenuator 34-1.

[0049] Additionally, the through-contacts 302 and their respectivecontact regions 306 of the bypass-pathway 304 are preferably relativelypositioned such that when the attenuator 34-1 is in the process of beingremoved from the plug connector 601, the through-contacts 302 engagetheir respective contact regions 306 before the through-contacts 302disengage from their respective contact pins 308. Thus, during the plugremoval process, there is a point in time where the contacts 302concurrently engage the contact regions 306 and the pins 308. When thethrough-contacts 302 engage the contact regions 306 of thebypass-pathway 304, the signal being routed through the attenuator 34-1is diverted through the path of least resistance (i.e., the bypass-path304) thereby causing the signal to bypass the attenuator 34-1. Thecontinued removal of the attenuator plug 34-1 causes the through-pins308 to disengage from the through-contacts 302, and the grounding pin310 to disengage from the grounding contact 305. However, because thethrough-contacts 302 close the bypass-pathway 304 before beingdisconnected from the attenuator 34-1, an uninterrupted signal can bepassed through the plug connector 36-1 during the entire plug removalprocess.

[0050] In the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the bypass pathway 304provides essentially no attenuation of a signal passing therethrough. Inalternative embodiments, it may be desirable to place an attenuator(e.g., a 4, 6 or 8 dB attenuator or other alternative) along the bypasspathway 304 such that the plug connector 36-1 provides attenuation evenin the absence of an attenuator plug. FIG. 7C shows the plug connector36-1 of FIGS. 7A and 7B equipped with an attenuator 80 along the bypasspathway 304.

[0051]FIG. 8 shows another plug connector 400 constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the housing ofthe plug connector 400 has been removed for clarity. As shown in FIG.30, the plug connector 400 includes two through-springs 402 that arenormally biased into contact with contact regions 406 of a conductivebypass-pathway 404. A grounding sleeve 405 is positioned between the twothrough-contacts 402. Preferably, the through-contacts 402 areelectrically connected to their respective electrical components bytracings provided on circuit board 32. Similarly, grounding sleeve 405is preferably grounded through circuit board 32.

[0052]FIG. 8 shows an attenuator plug 34-1 in an intermediate positionin which the plug 34-1 is not fully inserted within the plug connector400 (i.e., the plug 34-1 is in the process of either being removed fromor inserted into the plug connector 400). As shown in FIG. 30,through-pins 308 of the plug 34-1 are in contact with thethrough-springs 402 of the plug connector 400, and the through-springs402 are concurrently in contact with the contact regions 406 of thebypass-path 404. Because the bypass-path 404 has a significantly lowerresistance than the attenuator 34-1, any signals provided to the plugconnector 402 will bypass the plug 34-1 through the bypass pathway 404.

[0053] It will be appreciated that when the plug 34-1 is fully insertedwithin the plug connector 400, the through springs 402 will be biaseddownwardly and disengaged from the contact regions 406 of thebypass-pathway 404. Thus, in the fully inserted position, signals routedto the plug connector 400 are forced to be routed through the attenuator34-1. Also, as previously indicated, when the plug 34-1 is fullywithdrawn from the plug connector 400, the springs 402 are normallybiased against the contact regions 406 of the bypass-pathway 404. Thus,even when a plug is not inserted within the plug connector 400, signalscan still be routed through the plug connector 400 via thebypass-pathway 404.

[0054]FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another plug connector 500 constructedin accordance with the principles of the present invention. The plugconnector 500 includes two through-sockets 502 adapted to receivethrough-pins 308 of an attenuator plug 34-1. The plug connector 500 alsoincludes a grounding socket 505 positioned between the through sockets502. The grounding socket 505 is adapted to receive grounding pin 310 ofthe attenuator 34-1. Similar to the previous embodiment, thethrough-sockets 502 are preferably connected to their respectiveelectrical components by tracings provided on circuit board 32.Similarly, grounding socket 505 is preferably grounded through circuitboard 32. Once again, for clarity, the housing of the plug connector 500has not been shown in either of FIGS. 9A or 9B.

[0055] Referring still to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the plug connector 500includes a bypass spring 504 having contact regions 506 positionedadjacent the back ends of the through-sockets 502. Dielectric pins 515are mounted through openings defined through the contact regions 506(i.e., the contact regions can snap within circumferential groovesformed in the pins 515 directly adjacent the heads 517). For example,the pins 515 can be snap fit through the openings in the contact regions506. Heads 517 of the pins 515 engage backsides of the contact regions506, while forward projections 519 of the pins 513 extend through thecontact regions 506 and into the through-sockets 502. The forwardprojections 519 are preferably substantially shorter than a total lengthof each through-socket 502.

[0056] The bypass spring 504 is preferably configured such that thecontact regions 506 are normally biased against the back ends of thethrough socket 502. Thus, when the attenuator 34-1 is not insertedwithin the plug connector 500, the bypass spring 504 forms abypass-pathway that extends between the two through sockets 502. Whenthe attenuator plug 34-1 is fully inserted within the plug connector 500(as shown in FIG. 9A), the through-pins 308 push the dielectric pins 515rearwardly thereby causing the contact regions 506 of the bypass spring504 to disengage from the backsides of the through-sockets 502 such thatthe bypass circuit is opened. With the bypass spring 504 open as shownin FIG. 9A, signals routed to the plug connector 500 are forced to passthrough the attenuator 34-1.

[0057]FIG. 9B shows the plug 34-1 in the process of being removed fromor inserted into the plug connector 500. In the position of FIG. 9A, thethrough-pins 308 electrically contact the through-sockets 502, and thegrounding pin 310 electrically contacts the grounding socket 505.Concurrently, the contact regions 506 of the bypass spring 504 arebiased into contact with the backsides of the through sockets 502. Inthis position, any signal routed to the plug connector 500 will bebypassed through the bypass spring 500 rather than being transferredthrough the attenuator 34-1.

[0058]FIGS. 10 and 11 show another plug connector 600 constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention. The plugconnector 600 includes two through-sockets 602 and a grounding socket605 positioned between the through- sockets 602. Similar to previousembodiments, the through-sockets 602 are preferably connected to theirrespective electrical components by tracings provided in circuit board32. Also, grounding socket 605 is preferably grounded through circuitboard 32. For clarity, the housing of the plug connector 600 has beenomitted from FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0059] Referring still to FIGS. 10 and 11, the plug connector 600includes a bypass spring 604 having contact regions 606 positionedadjacent the through-sockets 602. The bypass spring 604 is configured tonormally bias the contact regions 606 against the outer surfaces of thethrough-sockets 602. Thus, when no attenuator plug is received withinthe plug connector 600, or when an attenuator is only partially receivedwithin the plug connector 600, the contact regions 606 are biasedagainst the through sockets such that the bypass spring 604 forms abypass pathway extending between the two through-sockets 602.

[0060] Referring again to FIGS. 10 and 11, the bypass spring 604includes front projections 620 that project forwardly from the contactregion 606. Dielectric camming members 622 are mounted on the frontprojections 620. The camming members 622 include portions that extendwithin the through-sockets 602 at an intermediate position along thelengths of the through-sockets 602. The dielectric camming projections622 are positioned such that when an attenuator plug 34-1 is insertedwithin the plug connector 600, the through-pins 308 of the attenuator34-1 engage the camming members 622 thereby forcing the camming members622 radially outwardly. As the camming members 622 are forced radiallyoutwardly, the contact regions 606 of the contact spring 604 are causedto disengage from the outer surface of the through-sockets 602 therebybreaking the electrical connection between the bypass spring 604 and thethrough-sockets 602. In such an orientation, signals provided to theplug connector 600 are routed through the attenuator plugged within thesockets 602 and 605.

[0061] As described above, the camming members 622 are preferablyconfigured to disengage the contacts 606 from the through sockets 602when an attenuator plug 34-1 is fully inserted within the plug connector600. However, the camming members 622 are preferably positioned atintermediate positions along the lengths of the through-sockets 602.Thus, during removal of the attenuator plug, the ends of thethrough-pins 308 move past the camming members 622 thereby allowing thecontact regions 606 of the bypass spring 604 to move into contact withthe through sockets 602. Preferably, the camming members 622 arepositioned such that when the through-pins 308 move past the cammingmembers 622, the bypass spring 604 makes an electrical connectionbetween the through sockets 602 before the electrical connection betweenthe attenuator and the through sockets 604 is broken. This configurationprevents signals from being lost or interrupted during plug changingoperations.

[0062] As used herein, the term “coax connector” will be understood tomean any type of connector adapted for use with a coaxial cable (e.g.,connectors such as F-type or BNC connectors). Also, it will beappreciated that the various plug connector configurations shown inFIGS. 7A-7C, 8, 9A, 9B, 10 and 11 can be used in concert with any typeof telecommunications equipment to prevent signal loss. For example, thevarious plug connector configurations could be used in the combinermodule 110 of FIGS. 3 and 4 or in the equalizer 210 shown in FIGS. 5 and6. Further, it is noted that while the plug connectors are preferablyboard mounted, the plug connectors can also be incorporated intosystems/modules that are hard-wired or that use other types ofelectrical connecting techniques such as flexible circuits. Further, thevarious aspects of the present invention can be used in active as wellas passive systems.

[0063]FIGS. 12A and 12B schematically show a portion of the equalizingmodule 210 of FIGS. 5 and 6. Specifically, the coax connectors 242-1 to242-3, the directional coupler 70 and the plug connector 236 of themodule 210 are depicted. FIGS. 12A and 12B also schematically depict theequalizer 234. The equalizer 234 is shown including two through-pins 708and two grounding pins 710.

[0064] Referring still to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the plug connector 236includes a dielectric housing 700 sized for receiving the equalizer plug234. Two through-springs 702 and two grounding springs 705 are mountedwithin the housing 700. One of the through-springs 702 is electricallyconnected to the coaxial connector 242-3, while the other through spring702 is shown electrically connected to the directional coupler 70.Preferably, the through springs 702 are electrically connect to theirrespective components by tracings provided on the circuit board 232(shown in FIG. 12). Additionally, the grounding springs 705 arepreferably grounded through the circuit board 232.

[0065] Similar to previous embodiments, an electrical bypass-pathway 704is preferably provided within the housing 700 between the twothrough-springs 702. The through-springs 702 are preferably normallybiased against contact regions 706 of the bypass-pathway 704. Thus, whenno plug is inserted within the plug connector 236, the bypass pathway704 provides an electrical connection between the two through-springs702 thereby allowing signals to be routed through the plug connector236.

[0066]FIG. 12A shows the plug connector 236 with the equalizer 234 fullyinserted therein. With the equalizer 234 so inserted, the through-pins708 of the equalizer force the through-springs 702 of the plug connector236 out of contact with their corresponding contact regions 706 of thebypass-pathway 704. Thus, with the equalizer 234 fully inserted withinthe plug connector 236, the circuit formed by the bypass-pathway 704 isopen, and signals routed to the plug connector 236 are forced throughthe equalizer 234.

[0067]FIG. 12B shows the equalizer 234 at an intermediate positionwithin the plug connector 236. At the intermediate position, thethrough-springs 702 remain in contact with the through-pins 708, thegrounding springs 705 remain in contact with the grounding pin 710, andthe through-springs 702 are biased into contact with the contact regions706 of the bypass-pathway 704. With the plug 234 shown in the positionof 12B, signals directed to the plug connector 234 will be routedthrough the lower resistance path defined by the bypass-pathway 704.Thus, the configuration of the through-springs 702 and thebypass-pathway 704 allows the signal to be routed through thebypass-pathway 704 before the connection is broken with the equalizer234. This type of configuration prevents the signal from beinginterrupted when the equalizer 234 is removed from the plug connector236.

[0068] The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the invention. Since manyembodiments of the invention can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claimshereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A telecommunications apparatus for use with a plug having at least first, second and third pins, the telecommunications apparatus comprising: a plug connector for receiving the plug, the plug connector including: at least first, second and third electrical contacts for electrically contacting the first, second and third pins, respectively, when the plug is inserted in the plug connector; an electrical by-pass pathway that: i) electrically connects the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fully removed from the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through the by-pass pathway to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact; and ii) does not electrically connect the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fully inserted within the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through the plug to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact.
 2. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third electrical contacts comprise sleeve-like sockets.
 3. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein electrical by-pass pathway connects the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is only partially removed from the plug connector such that the first and second contacts are concurrently: i) electrically connected by the by-pass pathway; and ii) in electrical contact with their respective first and second pins.
 4. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein during removal of the plug from the plug connector, the electrical by-pass pathway connects the first and second electrical contacts before the plug electrically disconnects from the first and second contacts.
 5. The telecommunications connector of claim 1, wherein the third contact is a ground contact positioned between the first and second contacts.
 6. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of coax connectors electrically connected to the plug connector.
 7. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 6, wherein a splitter/combiner is electrically connected between one of the coax connectors and the first contact of the plug connector, and wherein the second contact of the plug connector is electrically connected to another one of the coax connectors.
 8. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 6, wherein a directional coupler is electrically connected between one of the coax connectors and the first contact of the plug connector, and wherein the second contact of the plug connector is electrically connected to another one of the coax connectors.
 9. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a circuit board for electrically connecting the plug connector to the coax connectors.
 10. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 9, wherein a splitter/combiner is mounted on the circuit board.
 11. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 10, wherein a directional coupler is mounted on the circuit board.
 12. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plug comprises an attenuator plug.
 13. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plug comprises an equalizer plug.
 14. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a module frame including a first side positioned opposite from a second side, the plug connector being mounted at the first side of the module frame.
 15. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of coax connectors mounted at the second side of the module frame.
 16. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a circuit board that electrically connects the coax connectors to the plug connector.
 17. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second contacts of the plug connector comprises a contact spring that: i) electrically contacts the electrical by-pass pathway when the plug is fully removed from the plug connector; and ii) is electrically disconnected from the electrical by-pass pathway when the plug is fully inserted in the plug connector.
 18. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 17, wherein during removal of the plug from the plug connector, the contact spring contacts the electrical by-pass pathway before the plug electrically disconnects from the first and second contacts.
 19. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrical by-pass pathway includes at least one spring that: i) contacts at least one of the first and second contacts when the plug is fully removed from the plug connector; and ii) disengages from the at least one of the first and second contacts when the plug is fully inserted within the plug connector.
 20. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 19, wherein during removal of the plug from the plug connector, the spring closes the electrical by-pass pathway between the first and second contacts before the plug electrically disconnects from the first and second contacts.
 21. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a dielectric member that disengages the spring from the at least one of the first and second contact when the plug is fully inserted within the plug connector.
 22. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one of the first and second contacts comprises a socket, and wherein the dielectric member comprises a dielectric pin that extends axially within the socket.
 23. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 21 wherein the at least one of the first and second contacts comprises a socket, and wherein the dielectric member comprises a camming member that extends radially within the socket.
 24. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the by-pass pathway includes an attenuator.
 25. A telecommunications apparatus for use with a plug having at least first, second and third pins, the telecommunications apparatus comprising: a plug connector for receiving the plug, the plug connector including: at least first, second and third electrical contacts for electrically contacting the first, second and third pins, respectively, when the plug is inserted in the plug connector; means for electrically connecting the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fully removed from the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through the by-pass pathway to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact; and means for electrically disconnecting the first and second electrical contacts when the plug is fully inserted within the plug connector such that a signal can enter the plug connector through the first contact, pass through the plug to the second contact, and exit the plug connector through the second contact.
 26. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 25, wherein the first, second and third contacts comprise sleeve-like sockets.
 27. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 26, wherein the first, second and third contacts are aligned in a row with the third contact positioned between the first and second contacts.
 28. The telecommunications connector of claim 27, wherein the third contact comprises a ground contact.
 29. The telecommunications connector of claim 25, further comprising means for electrically connecting the first and second electrical contacts before the plug electrically disconnects from the first and second contacts during removal of the plug.
 30. The telecommunications connector of claim 25, wherein the by-pass pathway includes an attenuator.
 31. A plug connector for a telecommunications system, the plug connector comprising: a housing; first, second and third sleeve-like sockets for receiving and making electrical contact with electrical pins of a plug, the sockets being mounted within the housing and aligned in a row with the third socket positioned between the first and second sockets; a by-pass path for providing an electrical connection between the first and second sockets; and a spring for opening and closing the electrical connection between the first and second sockets.
 32. A method for removing a plug in a cable television system, the plug including an in-pin and an out-pin for allowing a signal to be passed through the plug, the system including a plug connector for receiving the plug, the plug connector including first and second contacts that contact the in and out pins of the plug for passing the signal through the plug, the method comprising: initiating removal of the plug; forming a signal by-pass path between the first and second contacts while the first and second contacts remain in contact with the in and out pins of the plug thereby causing the signal to by-pass the plug; and finalizing removal of the plug after the signal by-pass has been formed.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the plug comprises an attenuator plug.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein the plug comprises an equalizer plug. 